Obituary of Dennis Hagen

Dennis Hagen 1927 - 2013 Dennis Hagen was born September 9, 1927 in North Battleford to Ole “Elmer” and Ella Hagen. His only brother Clifford was born five years earlier. Dennis was married to Lydia Lange on July 3, 1957 and had three daughters, four grandsons, four granddaughters and one great granddaughter. Dennis passed away on October 29, 2013 at the age of 86. Excerpts from the eulogy by his daughters: Dad had many interests and talents – he was an excellent carpenter, farmer, trapper, hunter, artist, 4-H teacher, traveler, history buff and he was the biggest kid around – he loved the fair, baseball and hockey and he loved ice cream, bananas and chocolate but mostly he loved his Liddy who took fantastic care of him in the good times and the tough times when she wasn’t feeling too well either. Without his Liddy he would not have been able to stay in his own home for so long or be able to come home from the lodge and enjoy the farm from time to time over the last three years. One of Dad’s first large building projects was helping to build the barn that still stands on his farm yard. He was sixteen when he built this. When he finished school at Robinhood he built Department of Natural Resources buildings at Dore Lake and Buffalo Narrows. Later he worked in construction at Port Alice and Campbell River, BC, Saskatoon and North Battleford. In 1961 dad built the house on the farm and he began farming full-time in 1963. When dad built something, he built it with pride and he built it to last. Dad had a passion for designing, building and attention to detail. Dad loved to use his building skills to improve the community by helping to build the Medstead and Robinhood halls, Lutheran church and the community store. He always said it had to be built right from the foundation up – he said that was true for everything in life. Building might have been a job but it was also his play. Farming was dad’s second career and while in the nursing home he was always going to be better by spring to help with seeding. Dad loved to travel. He worked in many different locations in his younger years and this love for adventure continued into adulthood. Donna took many interesting trips with Dad - England, France, Denmark, Norway, Italy and Switzerland and Arlene and her family were fortunate to have dad along on a trip to Alaska and the Yukon in 2001. Dad was witty and fun loving. He always had a little funny expression building up – and the twinkle in his eye would prepare you. Dad enjoyed the girls at the nursing home and I know we all will miss that little spark. Dad was optimistic. He managed to cope with Parkinson’s disease for many years. He was always going to get better and believed things were not as bad as you thought. Dad loved his family. He wasn’t always that expressive of this love but it was there. He loved our mom deeply for the past 56 years and we know the meaning of commitment. Dad was always checking to see how Liddy was. He was very proud of us and the grandkids. It is hard to condense 86 years into a few words, but we know that if you have shared some adventures or moments with our Dad, it has left an imprint on you forever. Thank you to everyone for your support, your kindness and the part you played in Dad’s life in making it such a wonderful one. It’s so hard to say goodbye but we know that his memory will continue and his spirit will be here on earth with us and that Dad is now free of pain and at peace. And you’ll always be in our hearts DAD. Dennis leaves to cherish his memories: His wife of 56 years, Lydia; His daughters: ~ Donna Hagen (Gerry Fernandes), North Battleford, SK & children/grandchildren ~ Arlene (Gary) Drieschner, Spiritwood, SK & children ~ Karen (Sylvan) Martens, Glenbush, SK & children, His niece; Jean (William) Patton and his Lange nieces and nephews,the Lange Family, many cousins, countless friends and neighbours. He is predeceased by: His parents, Ole “Elmer” & Ella Hagen, his brother, Clifford (Irene) Hagen. Funeral Service was held on Sunday, November 3rd, 2013 at Medstead Community Hall - Pastor John Klassen and Pastor Pat Simonson. Pallbearers: Spencer Kennedy, Daniel Drieschner, Beau Drieschner, Tanner Martens, Dean Findlay, Farley Findlay and Eldred Findlay. Music: Karen Crawley, Kera Doherty and Aleta Martens. Thank you to an amazing community who came together and made the funeral service possible despite a major snowstorm. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate Dennis’ life and to those who could not be there but have Dennis in your heart. Memorial Donations can be made in Dennis’ honor to Spiritwood and District Health Complex – Idylwild Lodge Auxiliary. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. The family has entrusted arrangements to Brenda Beaulac of Beau "Lac” Funeral Home Spiritwood, 306-883-3500.